This new 2 channel hybrid
SACD of the 5th Symphony is the fourth release in a cycle of
recordings of Mahler’s symphonies from the Pittsburgh
Symphony Orchestra and its highly regarded conductor Manfred
Honeck. The previous three have featured Symphonies No.
1(EXCL00026), No. 4 (EXCL00048), and No. 3 (EXCL000450). The last
and most recent of these was picked as a Gramophone “Editor's
Choice” in November 2011.

Considered to be one of the
best modern day interpreters of Gustav Mahler’s music, the
Austrian musical director Manfred Honeck began his career as
conductor of Vienna's Jeunesse Orchestra, which he co-founded. He
went on to become assistant to Claudio Abbado with the Gustav
Mahler Youth Orchestra in Vienna. After several highly successful
guest appearances as conductor of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
he was appointed its Director of Music in 2008. Honeck conducted
the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra in a thrilling, acclaimed
performance of Mahler’s Fifth Symphony at last year’s
BBC Proms.

The Symphony No. 5 in C sharp
minor was composed in 1901 and 1902, mostly during the summer
months at Mahler's cottage at Maiernigg. Among its most distinctive
features are the funereal trumpet solo that opens the work and the
frequently performed Adagietto, which was famously used in the film
‘Death in Venice’.

“When it was time for
Mahler’s Fifth Symphony, the orchestra - and Honeck - were on
top form. These players can certainly do dynamic control and the
subtlest of ensemble, as they confirmed in the symphony’s
lightly suspended love-song of an adagietto. But they can also let
rip when Honeck lets them.” – The Times